Attention all soon-to-be brides; if you're looking for your dream dress at a dream price, Priceless Bridals can make your dreams come true and they'll be putting on a bridal show to help spread the word on Sept. 22 at the Caruso Club.
"It's really worth it for the girls to come out because it's going to be a lot of fun," says the owner of the one-stop bridal shop, Stacey Newell. "It's going to be very different. It's going to funky fun with a twist. It won't have your typical music, and it won't have your typical look for a bridal show. It'll be like you're in a club, but watching dresses."
Newell, who's been in the bridal business for the last seven years, will be teaming up with Charm Plus' Benita Belellce and Mark Hovey, a producer from Lynn Mark Productions. Together, the threesome plan on putting together a night no one in the audience will soon forget.
The doors will be opened at 6 pm with a special cash bar, so for just $5, visitors can stop in, have a drink, view the special booths that will be set up, and enjoy watching the countless dresses that are going to be on display. There's even going to be wine tasting, commentating, music, tons of door prizes up for grabs, as well as photographers and real estate agents to answer any questions that you may have.
"I've been doing fashion shows with Benita for 15 years, so we work very well together," explains Newell. "I think it'll be a blast and a lot of fun. We're going to shake it up a little bit. It'll be like a club-style fashion show with no wedding bell music."
Located on Regent Street, the bridal shop was first opened just seven months ago when Newell decided to venture out and start her own bridal shop after years of working for other shops. She felt that there was a need in Sudbury for a bridal store that specialized in providing top-quality dresses at affordable prices.
"I offer gorgeous designer-label gowns at incredible prices all the time; whether they're off the rack or they're orderable, the prices are amazing and there's a big selection," says Newell. "Expect to be surprised when you come down. It's not a huge store, but we offer a cozy, laid-back atmosphere and then once you experience that, you're going to be overwhelmed with the prices and the selection."
The shop features approximately 150 dresses and tons of accessories, like tiaras and veils. Half the store is made up of brand new, but discontinued in-stock gowns that are up to 80 percent off. The other half of the store is made up of gowns that feature all of the latest styles that can be seen in various catalogues. There's even a fireplace set up in the shop. Ultimately though, the thing that Newell believes really grabs most people's attention in this small, contemporary shop is its friendly customer service.
"We offer very friendly service and we give attention to all the girls because they're not just a number and they're very important to us," she says. "That's why I like to stay small. That's why I'm here and I don't think I'd ever move. I like the idea of one-on-one all the time. The girls like it because I'm always here when they come in."
When she first opened for business, the owner expected to deal with maybe 50 brides in the first year, but the shop has already surpassed and doubled that goal with over 105 brides and five more months to go in the year.
It's been a lot of work for Newell, who only has three part-time staff working for her, but it's been well worth it.
"It's blown us away and it's been very overwhelming," she says. "But, getting all of the excitement of a girl finding her dream dress is very exciting. It's all about making them feel happy and welcome and making it a happy time; not a stressful time."
Her friend, mentor and silent partner, Kathy Wells McNeil, has very high praise for Newell.
"Stacey is what makes Priceless Bridals and I think the reason people enjoy their experience here is because of Stacey and her great personality," she says. "Stacey is the guru of bridal. She knows everything there is to know about bridal. When a girl walks through the doors, she knows exactly what dress is going to be perfect for the girl.
"She's got the flair and she knows what's hot and what's not."
